Mediation in Italy

Professional mediation services across Italy. We work remotely with clients throughout the country, providing expert guidance for conflict resolution with clarity, compassion and integrity.

Quick Facts

Legal Framework: Mediation in Italy follows Legislative Decree No. 28 of 2010, which implements the EU Mediation Directive. The decree establishes a mandatory mediation attempt for certain types of civil and commercia...
Cultural Approach: Italian mediation culture emphasises the role of the state and formal procedures. There is a preference for mandatory mediation attempts in certain disputes. The approach tends to be structured and fo...
Typical Costs: Commercial mediation in Italy typically costs EUR €200-400 per hour or daily rates of EUR €1,500-3,000. Family mediation typically costs EUR €150-300 per hour. Court-annexed mediation may be subsidise...

Mediation Research

Legal Framework

Mediation in Italy follows Legislative Decree No. 28 of 2010, which implements the EU Mediation Directive. The decree establishes a mandatory mediation attempt for certain types of civil and commercial disputes before proceeding to court. The Italian Civil Procedure Code contains provisions for mediation. The National Council of Mediators (Consiglio Nazionale di Mediazione) provides guidance on mediation practice. Mediation agreements are enforceable under Italian law. The decree specifies which disputes require mandatory mediation attempts.

Court System

Italian courts require mandatory mediation attempts for certain disputes before filing a lawsuit. These include condominium disputes, real property rights, division of property, inheritance disputes, rental agreements, and compensation for damages. Courts can refer parties to mediation in other cases. Court-annexed mediation is available throughout Italy. The judiciary has implemented mediation programmes in many courts. Judges may require parties to attempt mediation before proceeding to trial. Courts may impose costs sanctions on parties who unreasonably refuse mediation. The court system works with professional mediators and mediation organisations.

Mediator Regulations

Mediators in Italy are not required to be lawyers, but many are. To practice as a mediator, one must be registered with the Ministry of Justice. Mediators must complete training programmes approved by the Ministry. The training includes theoretical and practical components, typically 50+ hours. Certified mediators must complete continuing education requirements. There are several professional associations for mediators in Italy, including the Italian Mediation Association (Associazione Italiana Mediazione) and the Italian Chamber of Mediation (Camera di Mediazione). Mediators must adhere to ethical codes of conduct.

Cultural Approach

Italian mediation culture emphasises the role of the state and formal procedures. There is a preference for mandatory mediation attempts in certain disputes. The approach tends to be structured and formal. Italian mediators often take a more active role in facilitating solutions. There is growing acceptance of mediation as an alternative to litigation. The cultural context values the authority of the state and the judiciary. Family mediation is particularly well developed. Commercial mediation is gaining acceptance in business circles.

Typical Costs

Commercial mediation in Italy typically costs EUR €200-400 per hour or daily rates of EUR €1,500-3,000. Family mediation typically costs EUR €150-300 per hour. Court-annexed mediation may be subsidised or available at reduced rates. Small claims mediation may be free or low-cost. Costs are typically shared between parties unless otherwise agreed. Legal Aid (patrocinio a spese dello Stato) may be available for family mediation in eligible cases. Mediation costs are generally tax-deductible for businesses. The cost savings compared to litigation are significant.

Note: These are typical market costs based on our research. The Olive Branch provides custom quotes based on your specific situation. Contact us to discuss your needs.

Sources

Legislative Decree No. 28 of 2010 (legislation)
Italian Ministry of Justice (government)
Italian Mediation Association (organisation)
Italian Chamber of Mediation (organisation)
National Council of Mediators (organisation)
New York Convention - Italy (organisation)
Singapore Convention on Mediation - Jurisdictions (organisation)

States and Regions

Abruzzo Agrigento Alessandria Ancona Aosta Valley Apulia Arezzo Ascoli Piceno Asti Avellino Bari Barletta-Andria-Trani Basilicata Belluno Benevento Bergamo Biella Bologna Brescia Brindisi Cagliari Calabria Caltanissetta Campania Campobasso Caserta Catania Catanzaro Chieti Como Cosenza Cremona Crotone Cuneo Emilia-Romagna Enna Fermo Ferrara Florence Foggia Forlì-Cesena Friuli–Venezia Giulia Frosinone Genoa Gorizia Grosseto Imperia Isernia L'Aquila La Spezia Latina Lazio Lecce Lecco Liguria Livorno Lodi Lombardy Lucca Macerata Mantua Marche Massa and Carrara Matera Messina Milan Modena Molise Monza and Brianza Naples Novara Nuoro Oristano Padua Palermo Parma Pavia Perugia Pesaro and Urbino Pescara Piacenza Piedmont Pisa Pistoia Pordenone Potenza Prato Ragusa Ravenna Reggio Calabria Reggio Emilia Rieti Rimini Rome Rovigo Salerno Sardinia Sassari Savona Sicily Siena Siracusa Sondrio South Sardinia South Tyrol Taranto Teramo Terni Trapani Trentino Trentino-South Tyrol Treviso Trieste Turin Tuscany Udine Umbria Varese Veneto Venice Verbano-Cusio-Ossola Vercelli Verona Vibo Valentia Vicenza Viterbo

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